If you pose the question – which is the world’s best horse racing event? – you’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask. Ask a Brit, and they will likely say the Grand National or Epsom Derby. Ask someone from France, and they’ll say, bien sûr, c’est Le Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. An American? Why it’s the Kentucky Derby. Down Under? It could only be the Melbourne Cup. The truth is there is no right answer, as it depends on your perspective.
However, on the social side of things, i.e., the events around the race rather than the race itself, there are different experiences that make for an unmissable day out. Perhaps the best way to put it is that some of the world’s best race days are not just sporting events, but cultural ones.
Perhaps the best place to highlight that is in Melbourne, Australia. The Melbourne Cup is the “race that stops a nation”, signifying its huge appeal in Australia. It is, in fact, a public holiday in the state of Victoria, but it holds the entire country in thrall. Dare we say it, but it even surpasses the UK Grand National in terms of pulling in the casual racing fan.
All roads lead to Flemington Park
There is a sense that all roads lead to Flemington Park (where the big race is held in November). Indeed, even though we are over 200 days away from the big event, Melbourne Cup tips are already being discussed by racing experts previewing the world’s richest handicap.
But as for the social side of things, the city comes alive for much of the week (it’s a five-day event), with the city showcasing the best of Australian food, wine (plenty of it), fashion, theatre and music. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the best part is that you really, really don’t need to be a racing fan to enjoy it.
Similarly, in Kentucky there is a huge festival that has grown up around the Kentucky Derby race. The race has its own taglines, “the most exciting two minutes in sports” and “the run for the roses”, with the latter referring to the blanket of flowers draped upon the winner.
Yet, the city of Louisville (where the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs) buzzes with life during the week of the race. There’s an official gala and a beauty pageant (we are technically in the Southern States, certainly culturally), as well lots of rock and country music events.
Royal Ascot can’t be beaten for pageantry
While they are historic races, the events around the Kentucky Derby and Melbourne Cup are very laid back. They appeal to the general population, and are marketed as events for “the people”. There is some pomp and circumstance around the races, but it’s nothing compared to what you witness elsewhere.
Indeed, for the true ‘royal’ experience, the best day out at the races has to be Ascot, particularly Royal Ascot in June. This is the very definition of grandeur and pageantry, given you might see HRM Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family parading around in a horse-drawn carriage.
For the guests, dressing well is a must – we are talking top hats and suits for the men, frocks and hats for the ladies. While the racing takes centre stage, particularly the Ascot Gold Cup, the media covers the fashion at Royal Ascot with just as much vigour. It is high society, but its appeal has broadened in recent years.
Dubai draws the world’s elite
If mixing with royalty is your thing, then perhaps a trip to Dubai for the World Cup will tickle your fancy. It takes place in Meydan, and it hosts the world’s richest horse race, with the Dubai World Cup having a purse of around £9.6 million. To put that into perspective, that’s the same amount as the Melbourne Cup, Kentucky Derby, Epsom Derby, and Grand National – combined.
Of course, the royalty we are talking about here are those personages linked to the rulers of Dubai, the Al Maktoum Family. The organiser of the event is Sheikh Mansour, who you might recognise as the owner of Manchester City. But you will also see plenty of celebrity action – Toni Braxton, Kylie Minogue and Sia are among the musical acts to have played the event in recent years.
While a huge social event (an excuse for some of the global elite to rub shoulders), there is room for the average racing fan to join the revelry (tickets can be expensive, however). It certainly does not have the emphasis on drinking alcohol like other big racing events, but it does showcase some of the luxury high-life that Dubai alone can offer.
Finally, a quick word on the Cheltenham Festival, which takes place this March. Outside of the UK and Ireland, it does not have the pull of an elite racing event. Yet, it probably has the best party atmosphere at the racecourse. The Guinness flows with abandon, and there’s a crackle in the air for four days. No need for top hats or royal patronage (beyond the Queen Mother Champion Chase); just four days of fun. It’s worth checking out if you don’t fancy making the trip to the carnivals at Melbourne or Dubai.
